Just curious, how do you guys feel about drilling a whole in my performer to permanently install a pitmasteriq? I don't own a wsm and I use my kettle to do a lot of smoking.
I say do it to it. I'm going to buy a DigiQ and plan on doing the same thing to my big Ranch Kettle.
If you do decide to drill, use masking tape, prick punch, small bit, stepped bit in that order.
Quote from: mwmac on August 02, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
If you do decide to drill, use masking tape, prick punch, small bit, stepped bit in that order.
Explain that in more detail. I'm going to be installing one of these myself very soon. I want to learn more...
Quote from: mwmac on August 02, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
If you do decide to drill, use masking tape, prick punch, small bit, stepped bit in that order.
I don't recommend using a punch on porcelain as it can initiate unwanted cracks on impact. It's better to go straight to a sharp drilbit to create the pilot holes.
Light tap on a sharp prick punch after covering desired hole location with one or two layers of masking tape. Sharp 1/16th bit followed by 1/8 then stepped drill to desired diameter. Works for me with no hairlines but I understand the cautionary note as there is no telling how some people might swing a hammer.
My buddy did this. Looks great. I'll ask how he did it
If I were doing someone else's grill I wouldn't use a punch. On my own, I might risk it. Good luck.
Thanks guys, you've been a big help!
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on August 02, 2015, 09:50:04 AM
Quote from: mwmac on August 02, 2015, 07:08:26 AM
If you do decide to drill, use masking tape, prick punch, small bit, stepped bit in that order.
This +1 (minus the punch)
I don't recommend using a punch on porcelain as it can initiate unwanted cracks on impact.It's better to go straight to a sharp drill bit to create the pilot holes.
Slow and steady and keep stepping up.
My $0.02 worth. Stop and noodle where you need that hole and it's max size. Height from kettle lip and position on the circumference are important. I settled on half way between the lip and the cooking grate, easy to slide the grate in under the probe wires and easy to remove the grate during a cook if it's necessary. I chose half way around the left side since my table is on that side, but a 6ft probe cable can make it all the way around to the opposite side.
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah274/lwtreinen/ProbeLocation_zpshsbaayi2.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/lwtreinen/media/ProbeLocation_zpshsbaayi2.jpg.html)
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah274/lwtreinen/WeberOTGportedCloseUp_zpsbglmsdhx.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/lwtreinen/media/WeberOTGportedCloseUp_zpsbglmsdhx.jpg.html)
Two racks of Baby Back Ribs at the Rifle Range while on RSO duty ... SJ
What is the screw on piece called that you have in your last pic smokinjoe? I like that.
And I notice you have two wires coming out, is one for a merit thermometer?
Here's the setup my buddy has. Says it works GREAT
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2ldc7zm.jpg)
Quote from: THUNDERDOME on August 03, 2015, 08:58:28 AM
Here's the setup my buddy has. Says it works GREAT
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2ldc7zm.jpg)
You might want to consider using the "dog bowl" manifold that comes with the IQ as attaching the rubber hose direct to kettle could cause melting and ash buildup. the bowl offers some protection on both counts. YMMV.
Many cooks on this forum and other forums have used this method (I didn't come close to being that clever). It's a hollow centered lamp fitting. Normally, the lamp wire runs through it. They come in many lengths, get the shortest you can get by with IF your probes are the curved ones. I have a cap that I can screw on mine to close off the air leak.
Those pics are from two different cooks. One was "at the range" and only needed the thermo on the grill grate, the other was a cook that had one probe in the pork butt and one on the cooking grate. Hope this helps a little. Don't be in a hurry to carve up your kettle, read many of the post on our forum, there are many options. Just draping your wires over the lip works great for some ... YMMV. SJ
@THUNDERDOME what is he using in place of the dog bowl? I haven't seen anything like this before.
Thank you smokinjoe
I think he just used a conduit nut and black pipe nipple. I'll ask him
Hey, you been a big help thunderdome. I ask bc having that big dog bowl just seems like it'd get in the way.
Here is my pitmasteriq. I cannot remember if I used a center punch or not. To attach the "dog bowl" I drilled a 1/4" diameter hole to start and drilled from the inside out so I could verify that I was between the blades and under the charcoal grate. Next I used a step bit to enlarge the hole this time drilling from the outside in. For the thermometer probes I used a Dremel to cut a notch in the bowl rim.
(http://i62.tinypic.com/2u9l741.jpg)
Thanks
@Uncle Al. Next question, what kind of charcoal arrangement do you guys like to use while using the pitmaster?
I'm a BBQ Guru user and have mounted the Universal/Weber adapter on my BPS Drum and Cajun Bandit Master-Touch.
http://www.firecraft.com/product/bbq-guru-weber-small-universal-adaptor/low-dollar-accessoies?s=FCWEB___GSHP&gclid=COXn462AkMcCFchffgodJyIAmg
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_6344.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_6347.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0705.jpg)
If mounted properly I wouldn't be concerned about ash buildup or any other issues. To me those dog bowl manifolds look like shit!
Quote from: THUNDERDOME on August 03, 2015, 08:58:28 AM
Here's the setup my buddy has. Says it works GREAT
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2ldc7zm.jpg)
So this is my rig. I have some other pics that I might get uploaded some day. I was pretty nervous about drilling a hole in my beloved kettle, however, I am extremely happy with the results. I went to Lowes and got a metal box connector and fittings that were almost identical to the one that comes with kit. I played around with the bowl adapter a little at first, but I am not a fan of it. I bought a hole saw bit for the drill, its all i needed to make a clean cut, no punch or step bits. I have had absolutely no issues with the hose getting too hot at all, it gets a little warm, but not hot. I use this grill as a grill and a smoker, no issues. I also have a cap that goes over the inlet when its not used. I do have two important notes, measure your work three times before you cut, don't want to ruin a good grill. (Obviously) Also, the only drawback to this project that I have encountered is the loss of the cleaning action on the bottom air vents. I lost about 1/3 of the total movement. I would recommend this to anyone that is limited to one grill/smoker, like myself. I could go on and on about it. Let me know if you have any questions.
(http://i02.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/756/870/239/1270021489498_hz_fileserver2_925794.jpg)
This is what I used. I started off really slow RPM until the bit took hold. Then punched it through. Piece of cake. I also used some really thin spacers/washers on each side of the box connector. When I tightened it down they conformed to the curve in the grill. Pretty good seal.
Thank you
@swamprb and @ byrdd0g! One quick question
@byrdd0g, how big of a hole did you drill, the suggested 7/8?
Quote from: KettleCookin on August 04, 2015, 12:31:04 PM
Thank you @swamprb and @ byrdd0g! One quick question @byrdd0g, how big of a hole did you drill, the suggested 7/8?
I can't find the bit I used and I don't want to guess. I took the fitting that I wanted to install into the store and held it up to the right size hole saw bit. Its the best way to get it 100% right. Sorry I could't be of better help there. Remember, I didn't use the piece that comes with the kit. I found my own in the electrical department.
That's fine
@byrdd0g, you've been a big help
Stepped bit like this is the way to go in my opinion. Easier to control and cleaner cut finish...
http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-10194A-Titanium-Drill-Increments/dp/B000FZ2UOY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438731628&sr=8-1&keywords=step+drill+bit
I like stepbits too. But they can warp the area around the cut hole if too much down pressure is applied. I know this cause my harbor freight step bit dulled
I'm a little late with a reply but i just installed one of those lamp tubes (1/2" x 3/4") through my weber this weekend. Used blue masking tape and drill a pilot hole 1/8". Then finished it off to 1/2" with a uni-bit. Coating did not chip. I did however drill on the low speed. After, touch up with some ceramic manifold paint i picked up at the auto part store.